Skype and Nokia today jointly announced the release of Skype for Symbian, a Skype client for Nokia smartphones based on the Symbian platform, the world’s most popular smartphone platform. Skype for Symbian will allow Nokia smartphone users worldwide to use Skype on the move, over either a WiFi or mobile data connection (GPRS, EDGE, 3G). It is now downloadable for free from the Ovi Store, Nokia’s one-stop shop for mobile content.

So I have gone to OviStore and downloaded the app. To my surprise, it’s very fast and the interface is very sleek. I expected it to be somewhat sluggish like the previous Java version but was totally overwhelmed.
Upon logging in, your contacts will be displayed with their avatars and statuses.

Skype for Symbian enables Nokia smartphone users to:

· Make free Skype-to-Skype calls to other Skype users anywhere in the world*
· Save money on calls and texts (SMS) to phones abroad.
· Send and receive instant messages to and from individuals or groups
· Share pictures, videos and other files.
· Receive calls to their existing online number
· See when Skype contacts are online and available to call or IM
· Easily import names and numbers from the phone’s address book

Here’s a screenshot of the contact list and by tapping the first button at the bottom of the screen will call the contact straight away. This allows us to do voice calls with Skype users anywhere in the world via their computers or mobile.

Skype for Symbian will run on any Nokia smartphone using Symbian^1, the latest version of the Symbian platform. Skype will soon introduce this client to Symbian mobile devices from other manufacturers, including Sony Ericsson.

The chat window looks clean and easy to the eye. There’s no lag between entering the text and displaying it on the screen, in other words, the interface is very fast.

* Skype recommends use of an unlimited data plan to avoid incurring additional charges from operators. Users should also be aware that extra charges may apply if they use Skype over a mobile data connection when abroad.